Five Years Full Time Travel Today

The van. Down by the river.

​Five years ago today, Melanie and I moved into Miranda and began what's proven to be the adventure of our lifetimes.

We're currently camped at Canal Campground in Grand Rivers, Kentucky, a nice campground of the Army Corp of Engineers. The campground is part of Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area.

Since early in October, we've been moving more regularly than is usual for us as we made our way across the country. After leaving Grand Teton National Park where we camped for a week, we camped in Green River, Wyoming (1 night), Vernal, Utah (2 nights), Steamboat Springs, Colorado (1 cold 22 degree night), Fort Collins, Colorado (1 night), Thornton, Colorado (1 night in a Cabela's parking lot), Littleton, Colorado (1 night), Denver, Colorado (2 nights), Burlington, Colorado (1 night), Ellis, Kansas (1 night), Topeka, Kansas (2 nights), Columbia, Missouri (1 night), Wildwood, Missouri (2 nights), Lynnville, Indiana (1 night), and finally here in Grand Rivers, Kentucky (3 nights).

Some of our more rapid pace had to do with our desire to position ourselves for Winter and enjoy visits with friends and family who we tend to begin missing as Fall happens each year. Some of it was due to housekeeping issues needing attention. 

We developed a generator problem in Wyoming (still unresolved), we needed a few coach repairs done and we developed a tire issue in Denver that finally got resolved in St. Louis. 

These housekeeping matters are no different than those we experienced as homeowners except they happen while on the road in places with which we may, or may not be, familiar. 

I was fortunate to bump into Don Klassen, the soon-to-be-semi-retired territory Sales Manager for Leisure Travel Vans, while getting work done at Van City in Saint Louis. We first met Don at Van City in June 2017 when we were considering buying our van. He let us test drive the van he was driving at the time and helped us with our order and, ultimately, our delivery. It was great to catch up with him and to meet his replacement, Randy Klassen.

Among other things, we discussed the importance of being comfortable with the art of the quick pivot and learning how to negotiate needed repairs when many RV businesses are reluctant to see you since they are scheduling weeks or months out and you don't necessarily have the time to wait. It's just part of the living on the road.

A shout out to my rock, Danny Dwyer, when it comes to trouble shooting problems and assisting us with getting service done over the years at Van City in St. Louis. Over the past 5 years Danny, has always been quick to respond when I text with a question or problem. He's become a friend and a great part of our travel equation. Thanks also to Van City's Service Manager, Scott, and his team for their assistance, too.

From Grand Rivers, we'll slow the pace a bit, staying 3 nights again in our next location.

I searched our website this morning and found what I wrote after our first year anniversary. I read a few more posts from our first year of travel and I have to say, though 5 years have passed, I'm not sure there's much I'd change or add as far as insights go for anyone considering full time travel. We're still learning, but most of the time our life on the road is pretty seamless.

We continue to enjoy this life immensely and, barring any unforeseen event(s), our intention is to continue down the road a piece. Watch this space.

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Miranda Canal Campground

Disappointing Affirmation □